Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Bats For Laws To Regulate Media Ownership By Political, Business Entities

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has proposed a series of recommendations, including the enactment of laws to regulate the ownership of news organisations by political or business entities, to ensure responsible journalism and uphold a free press in India.

Speaking at the N Ramachandran Foundation award ceremony, Tharoor emphasised the need for regulations limiting control of multiple news organisations by a single business or political entity, promoting an independent and robust press.

Tharoor noted that India stands out as one of the few countries worldwide without regulations regarding private individuals' ownership of media.

He urged the government to introduce laws and regulations to address this gap and ensure the integrity of the press.

As reported by Deccan Herald, the Thiruvananthapuram MP expressed concern over the media's "cavalier attitude towards facts" and its reluctance to issue corrections.

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Drawing from personal experiences and decisions to pursue legal action over press allegations, he highlighted the need for reforms to restore trust in the media.

Tharoor remarked that the erosion of trust in the media is attributed to the judiciary's slower pace compared to the swift news cycle of TV channels.

Highlighting the blurred lines between facts, opinions, and speculation, Tharoor stressed the importance of maintaining these distinctions to uphold journalistic integrity.

He also underscored that a free media is crucial for India's democracy, calling for better journalism and self-reform within the media industry.

Tharoor concluded by emphasising that for India to be perceived as a responsible global player and a model 21st-century democracy, it must take itself seriously and responsibly.

He suggested that the media serves as an essential starting point for these reforms.

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